Lodi Unified administrator set to step down

LODI - Art Hand said he felt like Don Quixote chasing a windmill when he was hired to be Lodi Unified's assistant superintendent of facilities and planning in summer 2006.

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By Keith Reid

recordnet.com

By Keith Reid

Posted Nov. 24, 2012 at 12:01 AM

By Keith Reid

Posted Nov. 24, 2012 at 12:01 AM

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LODI - Art Hand said he felt like Don Quixote chasing a windmill when he was hired to be Lodi Unified's assistant superintendent of facilities and planning in summer 2006.

It was a job he never thought would be there for him, his dream job since he first started as a Tokay High School janitor in the early 1980s.

The custodian-turned-administrator will retire effective Dec. 27 and turn his attention to a consulting firm that he is starting with Mamie Star and Mike White, both of whom have extensive experience in building and maintaining schools.

"Going from custodian to assistant superintendent, that was quite a journey," Hand said, noting that he worked his way up the ladder including as an administrator in Stockton Unified. "I'm especially appreciative to everybody who helped me along the way."

As assistant superintendent, Hand is credited with leading a myriad of school construction projects in Lodi, north Stockton and Lockeford. He was in charge of dispersing the $114 million bond Measure L that north Stockton voters approved in 2006 to help upgrade Bear Creek High, build Podesta Ranch Elementary, and finance a variety of other projects.

Hand handled emergency projects such as a multimillion-dollar toxic mold cleanup at Tokay High School, and brought on cost-saving ideas such as installing solar panel carports around the district to reduce energy bills.

He also helped start the district's new fundraising arm, the Giving Opportunities To Kids Foundation. He hopes to continue aiding the foundation's cause.

"Art is really going to be missed," said Trustee Joe Nava. "When Art was notified of a problem at a school, he was there the same day. He'd either fix what needed to be fixed or get the order in to get the work done fast."

Lodi Unified has yet to post the assistant superintendent's position to find a replacement.